TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 18 -- More than 8,400 residents across eight rural villages will benefit from improved access to safe and reliable water with the near completion of the PHP114 million World Bank-funded Barangay Water System Development Project in Baybay City, Leyte.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) 8 (Eastern Visayas) here reported on Tuesday that the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) and the local government unit of Baybay City completed the pre-final inspection of the project.

The new water system, which spans the villages of Plaridel, Maslug, Bitanhuan, Maitum, Punta, Jaena, Sabang, and Palhi, is designed to directly benefit 2,266 households, equivalent to approximately 8,492 individuals.

Among the beneficiaries are ...